Monday morning.
The gates of Nova High stood tall as always.
Students walked in, laughing, arguing, showing off their powers like it was normal.
Kai stepped through the gate quietly.
Back to the battlefield.
His face looked the same.
Calm. Relaxed.
Like nothing had happened.
But something about him felt… different.
That fight… he thought.
I used too much power.
He put his hands in his pockets and walked toward the building.
Leo spotted him immediately.
"KAI!" he shouted, running over.
Kai smiled a little.
"Morning."
Leo looked at him closely.
"You look… different."
Kai raised an eyebrow.
"Different how?"
Leo scratched his head.
"I don't know. You just feel… stronger."
Kai chuckled.
"You're imagining things."
But before Leo could respond—
The hallway suddenly went quiet.
Kai already knew.
He didn't even need to turn around.
Axel.
The King of Nova High.
Lightning flickered lightly around him as he walked forward.
Students moved out of the way instantly.
His eyes locked onto Kai.
For a moment…
Neither of them spoke.
Then Axel smirked.
"You're back."
Kai shrugged.
"Looks like it."
Axel stepped closer.
"Something changed."
Kai tilted his head.
"Did it?"
The air felt tense.
Like something invisible was clashing between them.
Then Axel smiled slightly.
"Good."
Kai frowned.
"Good?"
Axel turned away.
"I was getting bored."
He walked off, lightning crackling softly.
Students began whispering again.
"What was that about?"
"Why is the King talking to him?"
Kai sighed.
This is getting worse.
After class, Kai walked toward the training field.
He stopped.
Zara was already there.
She looked at him the moment he arrived.
Her eyes were sharp.
"You changed," she said.
Kai smiled slightly.
"You too."
Zara stepped closer.
"No."
Her voice was serious.
"You're hiding something bigger than before."
Kai didn't answer.
For a moment, they just stared at each other.
Then Zara spoke again.
"Whatever happened this weekend…"
Her eyes didn't leave his.
"…it made you stronger."
Kai looked away slightly.
"…Maybe."
Zara crossed her arms.
"Then prove it."
Kai sighed.
"Here we go again…"
Because one thing was clear—
After this weekend…
Kai couldn't hide as easily anymore.